Policies and Procedures

1. All students are expected to attend each scheduled class every day, on time. Students must not loiter in halls during class time; they should proceed to the library or cafeteria during a scheduled spare.

2. Students must identify themselves to any staff member in the school when asked.

3. Food is not allowed in classrooms unless there is a medical reason. Documentation may be required. The consumption of food is not allowed on the second and third floors during the lunch hour.

4. Drinks, other than bottled water, are not allowed in class. Certain rooms will not allow water because of safety concerns.

5. Technology has changed the educational environment in many positive ways. However, as new technologies continue to expand, they also bring new challenges to maintaining a safe, caring and orderly learning environment – one of maximizing the educational benefits while minimizing the negative impact of this same technology.

Teachers must be able to teach and assist students, and students must be able to learn, in an environment free of distraction and interruption. Students receive an academic advantage when they give their full attention to the instructional program during the entire class period.

The Toronto District School Board policy regarding personal electronic devices (cell phones, music players, iPods, video cameras, electronic tablets, computers) states:

• Personal electronic devices may be used during instructional class time for educational purposes, if permitted by the teacher;

• Personal electronic devices may be used outside of instructional class time, so long as the use of these devices does not distract from instructional class time, extra-curricular activities or co-curricular activities.

Use of personal electronic devices is not permitted in any classroom or any other instructional area including library, guidance office, main office, weight room, gymnasium and auditorium, except as outlined in the preceding policy statement.

Personal electronic devices must be powered off and secured out of sight when a student is in any instructional area including library, guidance office, main office, weight room, gymnasium and auditorium.

Electronic devices are not to be plugged into the school’s electrical system except when they are being directly used for educational purposes. Recharging electronic devices for personal use is not allowed.

Student achievement is enhanced by maximizing uninterrupted in-class time. Students will not be excused from class to make or receive personal phone calls. If there is a critical need for communication between a student and family, please consult the VP office and staff will facilitate emergency contact.

Students who fail to comply with the Personal Electronics Policy will have their personal electronic device submitted to a Vice-Principal for secure storage and subsequent retrieval from the office. Teachers will also contact parents to notify them of the concern.

Students who have had their personal electronic devices submitted to a Vice-Principal may retrieve them from the VP office after school following a review of the policy with the Vice-Principal. If a device is confiscated from the student a second time, the student may retrieve the item at school on the next school day following a discussion of the policy with an administrator. If a device is confiscated from the student a third time, only a parent/guardian may retrieve it from the office.

Exams: No personal electronic devices will be permitted in examination rooms. Phones may not be used as calculators. Students are not allowed to use electronic dictionaries during examinations unless specific permission is given.

Personal electronics in a lockdown: A lockdown in a school is an emergency situation. It is natural that students and staff

may want to communicate during these times; however, it is equally important that emergency personnel have access to phone lines. In many situations of this magnitude, phone lines get jammed through excessive use of cell phones, preventing emergency personnel from communicating effectively.

Cell phones are not to be used during a lockdown as they create a communication barrier for emergency personnel. In an emergency, the office will provide full and immediate electronic communication to students, staff and parents/guardians.

Expectation of Privacy: Recording, electronic transmission, or posting of photographic images of any person on school property, at school events, and during school activities and/or hours, is prohibited without the permission of: 1) the person or persons being photographed; 2) the Principal or designate; and 3) where the student is below the age of 18 years, the consent of the parent/guardian.

Cyber Harassment: Electronic posting or transmission of comments, discussions, photographs or images which are known or should reasonably be known to be hurtful to a member of the Northern community is not acceptable and will be dealt with as a form of harassment.

6. The TDSB and Northern Secondary School staff cannot be responsible for lost or stolen property. Valuable possessions and significant sums of money should not be brought to school and should not be left in lockers or Phys. Ed. change rooms. Do not bring items of value to school.

7. Students are required to sign the Computer Acceptable Use Policy/On-Line Code of Conduct before being allowed to use computers in classes.

Specific departments may have individual department rules for student safety. Students are expected to respect these rules.